If you have a discolored tooth, it can be embarrassing, especially if the tooth is in a highly-visible spot in the front of your mouth. You may be very anxious to find out what caused it so you can avoid future occurrences of it; at the same time, you might be eager to find out how to restore the original appearance of your discolored tooth.
What causes tooth discoloration?
You may be familiar with many of the typical causes of discoloration, such as “age, tobacco, coffee, or tea” but you may not know that “other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.” Did you know that wine and even certain fruits and vegetables, including apples and potatoes, can also cause discoloration?
Some people choose chewing tobacco over cigarettes as a way to satisfy their cravings because they believe it is less harmful and less likely to stain their teeth. However, as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) emphasizes, this is simply not the case. “Spit tobacco is not a safe substitute for cigarettes. It contains nicotine and causes chronic bad breath, discoloration of teeth, gum disease and recession, tooth decay and tooth loss, high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart disease.”
Sometimes, the most unlikely culprit can cause discoloration. Fluoride is good for your teeth, but when young children ingest too much of it, it can cause a particular problem known as fluorosis, which manifests itself as white patches on the teeth. This is one of the reasons that parents must closely monitor young children as they brush their teeth.
Certain diseases, as well as some medications, also cause teeth to become discolored. Examples include “Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride, antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, and drugs for high blood pressure.”
Injury is another cause of tooth discoloration, especially among children. As children explore their world, they can fall victim to a variety of injuries. Whether they fall off a bike, get hit by a hockey stick during a neighborhood game, or trip and fall during a game of tag, the consequences can include damage to a tooth, which can lead to tooth “discoloration, malformation, malocclusion, and possible tooth loss.” Adults are not exempt from tooth discoloration as a result of injury, either; as a result, children and adults should take appropriate precautions to protect their teeth, such as wearing a mouth guard when playing certain sports.
What can be done about tooth discoloration?
If you have one or more discolored teeth, the staff at Moore Family Dental can work with you to determine the best treatment option to restore your smile – and your confidence. Depending on your specific situation, they may recommend veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, or another option.
If you do not have any discolored teeth and you are trying to avert the problem, consider the causes of it and think about whether it may be in your future. For example, eliminate tobacco, coffee, or wine from your diet. In addition, “improve your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months.”